§ Malcolm BruceTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will88W list the companies from which his Department has obtained timber and wood products and the total spent with each firm over the last five years. [43403]
§ Dr. WhiteheadCurrent data capture systems do not enable the information to be reported in the format requested. The Department is reviewing its management information systems with a view to capturing more specific information on timber and wood product purchases. In the meantime the following information is available from the Departments office furniture contracts
- Ashers Systems Furniture since 1997: £370,500.00
- Flexiform Business Furniture since 1997: £941,000.00
- Godfrey Syrett since 1997: £685,000.00
- ROC since 1998: £22,300.00.
Most of the timber used in manufacture is either chipboard or multi density fibreboard (MDF). The use of hardwood lipping is minimal. All contractors have been subject to annual Environmental Audits since November 1997 and as part of the Departments procurement policy it will include contractors supplying certification that all timbers used come from sustainable sources.